Thursday, September 20, 2012

Please give a warm welcome to Dina Rae, author of The Last Degree, who is guest posting here at BLH.

The Rise of the Preppers

Politics aside, we all can agree the world is a very dangerous place. Some people prepare for the worst. TV shows such as National Geographic’s Doomsday Preppers and Discovery’s Doomsday Bunkers highlight a segment of society who believes impending doom is near. In response, they put all of their time and resources into future survival. The “prepper” label emerges.

Preppers collect water through cisterns, stock canned food, invest in remote underground living quarters, and practice off-the-grid living. Their reasons exceed fear, ranging from nuclear war and natural disaster all the way to prophecies of End of Days and New World Order.

Whatever the belief, they continue to unite, forming their own subculture. This movement is similar to the ‘70s and ‘80s survivalism, but much more sophisticated in technological advances of supplies, weaponry, and social networking. They even have their own vernacular. Here are some of the more popular terms.

BoB: Bug-Out-Bag
Bag packed with necessities when it’s time to take off. Depending on location, terrain, and weather, the contents vary. Everyone should have a flashlight, water, lighter, thermal blankets, radios, compass, hard-copy of a map, knife, gun, first aid kit, and cash. (3 days worth is the minimum recommendation)
SurvivalJane.com sells them pre-packed.

Zombie Apocalypse: It’s not just a horror novel term. When people who are infected and/or insane and become a threat.

PSS: Primary Shelter Site
A hideout. Prepper favorites-a home or trailer in a remote area, underground bunker, a spider hole (very temporary), and a cave

WROL: Without Rule of Law
No government or law enforcement-Chaos

SHTF: Sh@t Hits the Fan
The moment when a prepper makes the decision to bug out

Those who watch prepper reality TV have seen million dollar bunkers, advanced solar technology, militia sized arsenals, and endless shelves of medical supplies. Any attempt to prep seems overwhelming. Nonetheless, it doesn’t hurt to prepare. Dina Rae's The Last Degree uses preppers as her main protagonists of the story.

The Last Degree is a fictionalized account of how Freemasons and other secret societies set up the world for takeover. Ancient writings foretell a ‘Shining One’ who emerges as the world’s prophet. A murder of a Most Worshipful mason resembles a secret oath. A cop gets too close to solving the crime. Paranoid preppers go underground, preparing for war.

Headlines such as the Norway massacre, meltdown of the European Union, unscrupulous media, animal die-offs, Middle Eastern unrest, and U.S. shrinking power make the plot relevant to present day. This book is an ode to Christians, Birthers, 2012ers, Truthers, preppers, and/or other conspiracy junkies who enjoy Dan Brown, Jesse Ventura, Brad Meltzer, Alex Jones, Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye.

Excerpt:

Dwight took off his crown, signifying he was no longer playing King Solomon.

“Sacrifice is expected for ones that you love. Do you love me?” Dwight shouted.

“Then bow down before me and offer praise!”

Everyone knelt and laid their head down to the floor, chanting 'Most Worshipful, Most Worshipful' several times before Dwight commanded them to get up. In a manic energetic state, Dwight vociferated, “Et vitam impendere vero!”

All repeated, with the three new pledges joining in. Minutes later, he began to calm down. “To sacrifice life for truth - that is what we must always do! You must trust me as your Most Worshipful and sacrifice at my command! Are you prepared to do this?” All three pledges nodded.

Dwight pulled the content baby out of Arthur's arms and threw it high into the air. As the baby began to descend, Dwight took his sword and hacked through its neck, decapitating it before it hit the floor. Only the three pledges shrieked in horror. He sinisterly smiled as he picked up the head and body, revealing it was only a doll.

“Don't believe with your eyes, but believe with your knowledge. We are his chosen and will soon be exalted.”

The three men looked down at their hands and tried not to scream. They were covered in blood.

“Sacrifice, my brothers, sacrifice. I will teach you well. You are all Chiefs of the Tabernacle! Let us go and celebrate!” Dwight gleamed.

Dina Rae is a new author here to stay. As a former teacher, she brings an academic element to
her work. Her two novels, Halo of the Damned and The Last Degree, weave research and suspense
throughout the plots. Her short story, Be Paranoid Be Prepared, is a prequel of sorts to The Last Degree, focusing on the James Martin character. Dina also freelances for various entertainment blogs.

Dina lives with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs outside of Chicago. She is a Christian, an avid tennis player, movie buff, and self-proclaimed expert on several conspiracy theories. When she is not writing, she is reading novels from her favorite authors Dan Brown, Anne Rice, Stephen King, Brad Thor, George R.R. Martin, and Preston & Childs.

Thank you to Meghan and Mysteriousrose
Thank you to Nadea
Thank you to Vampirique Dezire
Thank you to Belinda
Thank you to Jessica,Genna and Selena
Thanks so much to Selena at The Enchanted Book .
Thank you to Theresa,Barb,aobibliosphere,Cat,Genna and Jessica!